“On this day, we honour the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people (MMIWG2S+). We also keep their families and loved ones in our hearts and remind ourselves why we must continue to address this ongoing crisis.
“I am proud to designate Oct. 4 as Sisters in Spirit Day in Alberta from this year forward. Please try to take part in one of the many events being held today across Alberta. Let this day be a reminder that we must all focus on this serious issue every day of the year.
“I have heard too many heartbreaking stories and I have seen the pain of too many Indigenous women who have experienced violence.
“That’s why I am pleased to announce the members of the Premier’s Council on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls soon.
“This council will use the Alberta Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Roadmap to guide concrete actions to help make Alberta a safer place for Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit plus (2S+) people.
“We supported opportunities for healing, like the retreats led by Indigenous women at the YWCA’s Camp Yowochas throughout the year.
“We also created the Alberta Joint Working Group on MMIWG, acted on human trafficking, passed Clare’s Law and amended vital statistics legislation, and held many engagements with Indigenous women, seeking their input into finding solutions to this crisis.
“Ending the MMIWG2S+ crisis is a priority for our government, and it is an issue close to my heart. We will continue working to find lasting solutions and provide opportunities for healing for the loved ones and families of MMIWG2S+.”